Where does the Humane Society of Harford County get its funding?

The Humane Society of Harford County (HSHC), Inc. is not a department of Harford County Government nor do we receive any funding from The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Many people think we are a branch of HSUS because the words “Humane Society” are in our name, but actually we are an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and do not receive funding from them. Please donate locally!

Our annual operating expenses are just over $1.4 million. As of FY22, we receive $950,000 of this funding from the Harford County Government as a fee for services provided. HSHC is the contractor to the Harford County Government to provide an open admission shelter for the county, taking in all animals from the community through the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Unit and from the general public. About 60% of the nearly 2,500 animals that come to our facility every year are stray pets found in Harford County. Others are either owned pets relinquished by Harford County residents, or seized by Animal Control for cruelty, neglect, hoarding, or other animal welfare concerns. However, even with an average of 6-7 animals coming into our shelter every single day of the year, we have consistently achieved a live release rate of 88.5% or higher since 2016! For more information about our shelter statistics, click here.

We must fundraise approximately $450,000 per year just to keep our doors open. We can’t keep our animals fed and warm, keep the lights on, or provide veterinary care without your financial support. All donations to HSHC are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

We regularly examine our business practices in order to keep a close eye on our expenses and reduce costs wherever possible, to ensure that taxpayer and donor dollars are well-spent. However, certain expenses have continued to skyrocket, especially with a 19,000 square foot facility, and COVID-19 challenges.

We are proud to have also received the Charity Navigator’s top “100 out of 100” Encompass Rating for Finance & Accountability in 2021! Charity Navigator is the world’s most trusted independent nonprofit evaluator.

We are in need of community support now more than ever! Please help us to help the stray, abused and homeless animals of Harford County by making a tax-deductible contribution today, by clicking here!

Click on the links below to download a copy of our most recent 990 filings:

Fiscal Year 2023 ((July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023)

Fiscal Year 2022 (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022)

Fiscal Year 2021 (July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021)

Fiscal Year 2020 (July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020)

Fiscal Year 2019 (July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019)

Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018)

Fiscal Year 2017 (July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017)

Fiscal Year 2016 (July 1, 2015-June 30, 2016)

Fiscal Year 2015 (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015)